Maharashtra plans to introduce grain ATMs in major cities
The Annapurti Grain ATM initiative aims to reduce queues and prevent black marketing following a pilot project in Nashik.
The Maharashtra government plans to introduce automated grain ATMs in Mumbai, Nagpur, Thane and other cities, according to a report by Deccan Chronicle. The initiative follows a pilot project in Nashik, where Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal inaugurated the machine on October 17.
Developed with support from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the Annapurti Grain ATM uses Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication to dispense food grains. The machine has a storage capacity of 2,500 kg and can dispense entitlements in approximately 30 seconds.
An official from the Food and Civil Supplies Department said the government is searching for space to set up the machines in Nagpur, Thane and Mumbai. The system is modelled on a method used in Gujarat and aims to make distribution more transparent and efficient.
The Nashik district administration has proposed installing 11 grain ATMs to serve pilgrims during the upcoming Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela. These machines would provide food grains to those staying in the Panchavati and Trimbakeshwar areas.
The machines are estimated to cost approximately Rs 50 lakh and have been provided to the state government free of cost under the WFP initiative. The system is integrated with the One Nation One Ration Card system to facilitate portability for migrant beneficiaries.
During the Nashik pilot phase, officials said 3,207 kg of wheat and 4,000 kg of rice had been dispensed to 336 ration cardholders as of October 30.